Sinister Pointe plots horror-themed scavenger hunt

BREA – It's a game of skill, wit and the opportunity to face some of your darkest fears.

Sinister Pointe will host The Hunt, an elaborate horror-themed scavenger hunt that will have patrons, in teams of four, visiting some of the most haunted and spookiest locations within a 30-mile radius of the permanent haunted attraction in Brea. The six-hour game begins with teams meeting at Sinister Pointe at 6 p.m. Saturday or April 27 for check-in and having time to map out which of the 25 possible locations to visit in an attempt to earn the most points and be declared the winning group.

Hurrying through the process and speeding from location to location – which is not only against the law but also not encouraged by the Sinister Pointe staff – will not get you ahead in this game. Some of the closer locations may seem ideal but also could have minimal tasks, earning a team just a few points, as opposed to traveling just a little farther and being rewarded handsomely for completing a physical challenge. That part is all about strategy and proper planning.

"You're definitely not going around and collecting safety pins or whatever from your neighbors," Sinister Pointe creator Jeff Schiefelbein said during a recent interview. "We're basically pulling our haunt out of the building and putting people through little fear tests along the way. I think the best way to describe it is 'Amazing Race' and 'Fear Factor' combined. But, no, we're not going to make people eat gross stuff, but we might make them put their hands in buckets of maggots to retrieve certain items."

At each location – like cemeteries, parks, old buildings and possibly even a haunted ship – a Sinister Pointe staff member will be on hand to help keep track of points earned and assist teams when able to. Each stop will include either a mental or physical challenge. It could be as simple as building a puzzle or figuring out a math equation in order to get a combination for a lock, or you could be chased by ghouls, covered in dirt or forced to be alone in one of the most paranormal activity-filled hotel rooms in Southern California.

"The idea is to keep it exciting and scaring everyone as they go through," Schiefelbein said. "There is some driving involved from place to place, so we're also going to have mini-games or puzzles for the non-driving team members to do in the car to earn bonus points and keep everything going."

Within two weeks of the announcement of "The Hunt," the first event sold out. With horror- and thrill-seeking fans still wanting join in, Schiefelbein has added a second date, April 27. For the fee of $75 per person, each team member will receive snacks and refreshments at home base, a commemorative button and everyone will have to wear a special event T-shirt. The designated team driver, who will have to show proof of a valid California driver's license and sign a safety waiver, also will receive a $20 gas card.

"It's really a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you get to play this game and see some pretty cool places," Schiefelbein said. "And there's a big grand prize. There are four people per team, so we're creating four prize baskets with just hundreds of dollars' worth of gift cards to local restaurants, bars and theaters, limited-edition toys and horror memorabilia and, of course, VIP tickets to next year's haunt at Sinister Pointe."

Since you're competing against other teams during "The Hunt," the last thing you need is to be left stranded without proper supplies. The Sinister Pointe crew has suggested a few key items to keep your adventure (or misadventure) flowing smoothly:

Flashlight: Yes, it's going to be dark and most of the places you're headed will not be well-lit. Make sure to put in fresh batteries!